tinplate

Tinplate is a thin steel sheet that has been coated with tin. The tin coating, applied by either hot-dip tinning or electroplating, gives improved corrosion resistance and creates a surface suitable for soldering, painting, and printing. Tin is relatively inert and considered food-safe, which has made tinplate especially valuable for packaging applications.

Production methods vary. In hot-dip tinning, cleaned steel passes through molten tin to form a continuous coating, often with subsequent lacquering or enamelling for additional protection. Electroplated tinplate uses an electrolytic process to deposit tin onto the steel surface. The sheet can be finished with coatings such as lacquer or enamel on either or both sides to enhance durability, aesthetics, and barrier properties.

The primary use of tinplate is in metal packaging, most notably for food and beverage cans, lids, and closures. The tin layer helps protect contents from corrosion and enables soldering of components. In modern cans, an inner polymer lining or coating is commonly applied to ensure compatibility with various foods and prevent tin migration, though some applications still rely on the tin surface itself.

History and present status. Tinplate emerged in the 18th and 19th centuries as a practical material for durable, manufacturable packaging and became widely associated with heritage metal cans. While alternative coatings and tin-free steels have expanded choices, tinplate remains in use in many markets for certain packaging needs and specialty applications, valued for its combination of formability, printability, and recyclability.

Recycling and safety. Tinplate is recyclable as part of steel recycling streams. The tin coating is recoverable in processing, and the material is generally regarded as safe for contact with foods when properly finished.